I would propose option four which is to make your set in the desired sizes from parts harvested from used Ludwig drums. You can buy a beat up Ludwig set (or marching drums and orphans) and scavenge it/them for hardware. Then you can buy new shells in your sizes and assemble your own drums. Do you have a drum shop or drum builder in your neck of the woods? Making a functional set of drums is not that hard and even if you don't want to tackle it, you could still save a ton of money by commissioning the work. You would swapping time and sweat equity to get the kit you want. It may be a long time before the drum shows return and even longer for folks to fell safe to attend in the numbers that they used to. Just food for thought, good luck no matter which direction you go. I have been playing since the stone age and even worked at drum companies and drum shops but have never bought a new drum set or complete used kit. It is way more fun to make your own, but I realize that is not for everybody.

I wish you all the luck

It is hard to find downbeats now with out paying through the nose

Even club dates are getting out of reach

Gary aka houndog

I would go for option 1 with prices to sell, to raise the money quickly. If you want a 60’s Ludwig that is what you should get, as soon as possible. I went through some more ”revered” vintage drum kits but the Ludwig is such a joy to play every day, and so versatile. Newer shells won’t sound or feel like that imo.

In my experience you never ever think of what you sold, only what you have.

You should post here in the For Sale section...

Cheers